The Spanish mainland and islands boast an extraordinary range of golfing and golf courses to suit all tastes, abilities and budgets.

From Andalucia's "Costa del Golf" with more than 50 quality golf courses, to the beautiful Catalonian courses nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Huge resort complexes have sprung up around the most popular courses and recent years have seen an increasing trend among foreign buyers to invest in property on or near a golf course in Spain.

Although the weather conditions allows you to play all year round, especially the southern parts of Spain becomes very hot during the summer. Low season for golf in these areas is therefore from mid-July until mid-September; in this period you can often get a good discount on green fees.

More than 50 of the golf courses in the Malaga province is located on the Costa del Sol and the area is therefore often referred to as "Costa del Golf". Most of the courses have excellent facilities. Add to this the wonderful climate, allowing golfers to enjoy the whole year, including the winter months when most of the European countries are suffering low temperatures, rain and snow. In summer time you definitely want to book early, as so many people want to play and some courses limit the hours of play during the hot daytime.

The Marbella areahas the highest number of golf courses in the Malaga province followed by the Mijas areawith the second highest number. The "Golf Valley" behind Puerto Banusin the Nueva Andalucia urbanization, not far from Marbella, is very popular with many challenging courses, one of them (Dama de Noche Golf Course) even allows you to play in the evening thanks to artificial light system.

Among the most challenging courses on Costa del Sol are the Seve Ballesteros designed Alhaurin Golf Course, located just behind Mijas, with beautiful views, but remember to bring plenty of golf balls if you are not an expert golf player. Valderama Gold Club in San Roque is one of Europes toughest courses.

In high season all the courses are usually very busy, and it is advisable to book tee times some days in advance. If you are planning a golf holiday in Spain, the best would be to book tee times at your chosen golf courses at the same time as you book you holidays. If you are booking through a tour operator they will book the tee times for you, but make sure you have a confirmation.